There’s no shortage of places to get into the Christmas spirit. But if you want more of a festive feel than a crushing mass of bargain-hunting, maybe even with some carols thrown in, then one of the many London Christmas markets might be more up your street.
There are plenty and they’re usually filled with independent craft stalls and artisan producers selling their goods, so you can get something a little bit different while supporting small businesses. The market is often only half the story too, with fairgrounds and festivities as well as Santa’s grottos. Whether you just want to wander amidst the happy shoppers with a mulled wine or hot chocolate and enjoy the festive feels or tick items off your Christmas shopping list, the winter markets in London are a must-do.
If you’re looking for a bit of sparkle, do check out our walking route of London’s Christmas lights, the top picks for London Winter Illuminations this year, or get your rom-com on with these winter outdoor ice rinks. If all else fails, a panto or Christmas show should get you feeling festive (oh no it won’t!).
Leicester Square Christmas Market
The central London square gets a festive makeover that runs from early November until early January. Christmas in Leicester Square is filled with over 25 traditional European-style market stalls, lots of food and drink offerings and Santa’s Grotto.
Head to the Spiegeltent for a Christmas show like no other, showcasing incredible cabaret performances and amazing circus skills. A decade on from winning the Best Entertainment Olivier Award and fresh from a sell-out run at Edinburgh Fringe, La Clique has wowed audiences around the globe and features the very best of circus, comedy and cabaret.
Entrance to the market is free, but you’ll need to pre-book for ticketed events.
Winter Festival at the Southbank Centre
The Southbank is fairy-lit and beautiful all year round but it’s particularly twinkly and magical during the winter months; a big part of that is the Southbank Centre Winter Festival. It’s a seasonal highlight for Londoners and visitors alike, with plenty of outdoor and indoor activities, including a new curling club plus the much-loved market. Traditional, wooden-hut market stalls festooned with lights line the river bank each year as well as food stalls and cute pop-up bars. Follow the scent of mulled wine to explore hand-made gifts, crafts and lots of street food.
London loves a riverside festive market and, while it doesn’t have a major cultural venue like nearby South Bank, the stretch of the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge has all the ingredients you need for a Christmas market and festival. There will be cosy vibes at the wooden cabins and homemade gifts from more than 60 independent traders. You’ll also find bars selling mulled wine and cider, craft beer and festive cocktails. You can top that off with some craft workshops if you’re feeling creative. This year King’s Cross will be ringing the changes with a line-up of amazing markets, each offering a huge array of unique gifts, festive street food, fashion from emerging brands, vintage vinyl, arts and crafts and much more. Christmas Under the Canopy is a covered market where you can shop for artisanal gifts and food under a canopy of stars, or spice up your festive shopping at the Mexican Christmas Market and browse Mexican clothing, accessories and crafts from independent designers. Tick off your Christmas shopping list before celebrating at the après ski bar, which will be serving up a selection of festive hot chocolates, hot toddies and delicious alpine cocktails. Over 30 cute wooden chalets with gifts, mulled wine and cider, and Christmassy food including, er, a whole range of German sausages. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the twinkling Christmas tree that is a gift from Norway every year. While we do our best to ensure it is correct, information is subject to change. This article was originally published in November 2019; last updated on 21st November 2024. Here's where to find London's best hot chocolate. Don't walk, sugar rush. London gets fully lit up over the dark winter months, come and enjoy the glow. From its Roman origins to Modernist architecture, there's a lot to discover in The City-within-a-city Everything you need for all the festive feels; bundle up in your big scarf and let's go. And save some money while you're at it. And you want to get in for free. Well, we might know a guy who knows a guy... Let us help you save money for what's really important: a nice cup of cocoa or mulled wine. It's panto season (Oh yes it is!). Here's our rundown of the most bonkers seasonal stage shows in town. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
With everything from ice skating and a ferris wheel to a bar where the tables, chairs and glasses are sculpted entirely from ice, Winter Wonderland has everything you need to get in the festive spirit. There’s free music across the site, over 100 fairground rides as well as SantaLand for kids. Check out our guide to what’s on. Winter (aka Christmas) by the River: London Bridge Market
King’s Cross Christmas Markets
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Get all the info on what's on in London direct to your inbox every month
The Best Hot Chocolate in London
Top Picks for London's Winter Illuminations
Exploring Hidden London: The City
Top London Events - December 2024
Sew, Swap and Shop to Save The Planet
So, You Didn't Get Glastonbury Tickets?
London Skating: Outdoor Ice Rinks for All the Christmas Feels
Best Pantomimes in London
Recommended hotels located nearby
